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Residents press Manteno trustees over tax-rebate reporting and $800,000 deficit as board adopts working budget
Summary
Multiple residents challenged the board about a newspaper report that Manteno would end a property tax rebate and criticized past spending; trustees and staff said the proposed FY2026–27 budget still includes a rebate and that the working budget (Ordinance 2543) was adopted with the understanding it can be amended.
Several residents used the public-comment period at the April 20 Manteno Village Board meeting to challenge trustees about finances and a newspaper report stating the village would end a property-tax rebate.
"It's distressing to read the local paper to find that Manteno is to end tax rebate," said Francine Fatima, who said she learned about the rebate change from the newspaper rather than at a board meeting and asked for "the real truth." Bill Barnes pressed trustees over an $800,000 deficit discussed in finance committee and asked whether the village had a comprehensive plan to bring in businesses.
Trustees and staff addressed the issue during the budget public hearing. Village staff told the board the proposed budget as presented still includes Manteno's property-tax rebate and that the budget before the board is a working document that may be amended during the fiscal year. "We asked village officials if it was in the budget, proposed budget, and it is not from my understanding," a resident asked; staff and trustees said additional discussions and amendments are possible.
At the meeting the board adopted Ordinance 2543, approving the FY2026–27 budget as a working budget. Trustees emphasized the budget can be adjusted through amendments during the year. The board also approved Ordinance 2542 to reallocate year-end amounts for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2026.
Why it matters: Residents said the newspaper's reporting caused confusion and worry among retirees and working families who rely on the rebate; trustees countered that the administration will continue to work on shaving costs and that formal budget amendments can address changing priorities.
The record: The board opened the public hearing on the budget, discussed concerns about the newspaper report, and then took votes approving the ordinances that set the working budget and reallocate end-of-year amounts.
Next steps: Trustees signaled continued work in finance committees and said they will pursue cost-saving measures and plan development efforts with regional partners to address the deficit.
